Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Colombia

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food, local markets, empanadas, set meals at neighborhood restaurants, occasional self-catering

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, colectivos, walking, occasional metro in major cities

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public beaches, hiking trails, occasional museum entry, local festivals

Eat at local markets and neighborhood restaurants instead of tourist zones - typically 50-70% cheaper than tourist areas

Use public buses and colectivos instead of taxis for intercity travel - usually 70-80% less expensive

Stay in smaller cities and towns rather than major tourist hubs like Colombia - accommodation typically 40-60% cheaper

Buy snacks and drinks at local tiendas rather than tourist shops - generally 60-80% savings on basic items

Take advantage of free activities like hiking in national parks, exploring colonial town centers, and attending local festivals

Travel during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for 20-40% savings on accommodation

Use overnight buses for long distances to save on both transport and accommodation costs

Staying only in major tourist cities like Colombia and Colombia - these typically cost 2-3x more than smaller colonial towns

Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the public transport system - can increase daily transport costs by 300-500%

Eating exclusively in tourist restaurant zones rather than exploring local neighborhoods - usually doubles food costs

Not negotiating prices for tours and activities - fixed prices often have 20-40% markup for tourists

Exchanging money at airports or tourist areas instead of official exchange houses - typically 10-15% worse rates